The 2010 Château Cantemerle is a red wine from the Haut-Médoc appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) in the 1855 Classification. Produced by Château Cantemerle, this vintage is celebrated for its depth, elegance, and aging potential, reflecting the estate’s terroir of deep gravel soils in the Macau and Ludon villages. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and oak vats, then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (40% new), imparting subtle toast and spice notes. It offers a medium to full-bodied profile with a stunning ruby/purple hue, a bouquet of spring flowers, raspberries, and blueberries, and a palate that balances rich fruit with sweet, integrated tannins and vibrant acidity.
Critics’ Reviews
- Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 94+ points. “The finest Cantemerle I have encountered in my professional career… Stunningly deep ruby/purple, with a beautiful nose of spring flowers intermixed with perfumed raspberry and blueberry notes… Broad, rich, and intense on the palate, with plenty of sweet, well-integrated tannins. A major sleeper of the vintage. Drink 2020-2050.”
- James Suckling: 94 points. “A wine with blueberry and mineral aromas follows through to a full body, with fine tannins and a juicy finish. Needs at least three years of bottle age to soften. Could be better than 2009 in the long run.”
- Wine Enthusiast: 91 points. “A great success for this southern Médoc château, this is fine, elegant, and perfumed. It bursts with black fruit flavor, balanced by smooth tannins and acidity. A wine for medium-term aging over the next six years.”
- CellarTracker: Community average of 90.9 points, with notes like “plush dark fruit, firm tannic base, smooth texture” and “cassis with perfect acid balance.”
Food Pairings
The 2010 Château Cantemerle’s structured yet elegant profile pairs well with:
- Meats: Roast beef, lamb chops, or duck with a rich sauce to match its tannins and fruit.
- Game: Venison or wild boar complements its earthy depth.
- Vegetarian: Grilled eggplant with herbs or a mushroom tart echoes its savory notes.
- Cheese: Aged cheddar or gouda enhances its oak and fruit complexity.
Drink Window
- Current Recommendations: Drink now (with 2-3 hours decanting) through 2038-2050, depending on storage conditions.
- Peak Maturity: Likely 2020-2038 (Parker), though some suggest it’s approachable now with aeration and will evolve gracefully for 20-30 years.
This wine isn’t a pure Cabernet Sauvignon but showcases the grape’s influence within a masterful Bordeaux blend, making it a standout from the exceptional 2010 vintage.
